DHL Group and Scania have collaborated to create an Extended Range Electric Vehicle (EREV), an electric truck equipped with a fuel-powered generator, designed to bridge the gap until a comprehensive charging network is established. This innovative vehicle aims to accelerate the adoption of battery-electric road transport.
The EREV is intended as an interim solution, enabling DHL to operate 80-90% on renewable electricity while addressing challenges like the lack of charging infrastructure, high depot charging costs during peak seasons, and grid strain. The vehicle will be deployed by DHL’s Post & Parcel Germany division in February 2025 for parcel transport between Berlin and Hamburg, testing its performance in daily operations.
The fuel-powered generator replaces a battery pack, providing backup energy and extending the truck’s range to 650-800 kilometers, comparable to or exceeding Scania’s fully electric trucks. This range extender can be refueled at conventional petrol stations, offering operational flexibility.
DHL Group CEO Tobias Meyer stated, “We see this as a sensible, practical solution to significantly reduce CO2e emissions in freight transport short-term. Such reductions should be proportionally reflected in the road toll pricing and EU fleet emission scheme.” He emphasized the need for pragmatic solutions to reduce emissions while waiting for a fully developed electric infrastructure.
Scania CEO Christian Levin added, “The future is electric, but perfect must not be the enemy of good as we are getting there.” He highlighted the EREV as an example of an interim solution that can enhance the scaling of decarbonized heavy transport, urging policymakers to recognize and incentivize such concepts.
The EREV is a 40-ton truck with a 230kW electric engine, a 416 kWh battery, and a 120 kW gasoline-powered generator. It can carry approximately 1,000 parcels and pull a trailer. The technology has a patent application filed by Deutsche Post AG and Scania CV AB.
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